Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

HB0143

Free Speech for Health Care Providers

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

The bill prohibits state agencies from discriminating against health care providers based on their protected speech and expressions related to providing medical advice or services.

What it does

Prohibits state agencies from discriminating against health care providers because of their protected speech or associations within the scope of their work.
Requires state agencies to notify health care providers about complaints that could lead to disciplinary actions if those complaints are related to protected speech.
Allows health care providers to sue state agencies for damages and other relief if they violate this act.

Who it affects

Health care providers, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and others who provide medical services.
State agencies that regulate or license health care providers.

Limits and unknowns

The bill did not pass during its session.
It does not specify what types of speech are protected beyond mentioning the First Amendment and Wyoming Constitution protections.
Details on how fines for non-compliance will be enforced or collected are not provided in the summary.

Plain language

Terms to know

Discrimination: Actions by state agencies against health care providers such as denying licenses or certifications, reprimanding them, reducing their pay, or terminating employment based on their speech or associations.
Health Care Provider: Any person who participates in the delivery of medical services, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and others involved in patient care.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text Stored full record

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 1:19 AM

Pepper Ottman

R · H34

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker explains that the bill allows podiatrists and OBGYNs to pursue their training without being required to perform abortions, thereby protecting their ability to speak according to their conscience.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:49:25 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

2 roll calls

H10 - Labor:Recommend Do Pass 8-1-0-0-02026-02-19 · House8 yes 1 no

Yes: 8
No: 1
Absent: 0
Excused: 0
Conflict: 0

Yes 8

Darin McCannR · H48 Jacob WasserburgerR · H11 Joel GuggenmosR · H55 Ken CloustonR · H32 Pam ThayerR · H15 Paul HoeftR · H25 Pepper OttmanR · H34 Rachel Rodriguez-WilliamsR · H50

No 1

Mike YinD · H16

H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 47-13-2-0-02026-02-11 · House47 yes 13 no

Yes: 47
No: 13
Absent: 0
Excused: 2
Conflict: 0

Official activity

Bill history

2026-02-23H COW:H Did not consider for COWHouse
2026-02-19H Placed on General FileHouse
2026-02-19H10 - Labor:Recommend Do Pass 8-1-0-0-0House
2026-02-11H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 47-13-2-0-0House
2026-02-10H Received for IntroductionHouse
2026-02-09Bill Number AssignedLSO

Changes

Amendments

2 stored

HB0143HW001

Filed Committee of the Whole by Representative Rodriguez-Williams

HB0143HW002

Filed Committee of the Whole by Representative Ottman